Follicular Dynamics and Pregnancy Rates during Foal Heat in Colombian Paso Fino Mares Bred under Permanent Grazing.

No studies have evaluated the peripartum follicular dynamics resulting in foal heat under tropical environments. We aimed to assess retrospectively the peripartum follicular dynamics in Colombian Paso Fino mares that were inseminated at the foal heat, becoming pregnant or not. Records including follicular dynamics of pregnant mares prepartum and from foaling until foal heat ovulation were assessed in Colombian Paso Fino mares (CPF, n = 24) bred under permanent grazing in a tropical herd in Colombia. The number of ovarian follicles >10 mm before foaling and the largest follicle (F1) growth rate (mm/day) from foaling until the F1 reached the largest diameter (pre-ovulatory size) at the foal heat were assessed. Mares were inseminated at foal heat with 20 mL of semen (at least 500 million live spermatozoa) with >75% motility and 80% viability from a stallion of proven fertility. Ovulation was confirmed the day after follicles had reached the largest diameter. Quantitative data from follicular growth, the day at ovulation, from mares that became pregnant (PM) or not (NPM) at 16 days post-insemination were compared by one-way ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA (follicle growth rate data) or Chi-square test (edema and cytology scores data). Epidemiological data, gestation length, and the number of follicles on third prepartum days did not significantly differ between PM and NPM (p > 0.05). Seventy-one percent of mares (17/24) got pregnant. Ovulatory follicles grew faster in the NPM group (n = 7), which ovulated between the seventh and ninth postpartum days, compared to PM (n = 17), which ovulated between the 11th and 13th postpartum days. Pre-ovulatory follicle diameter in PM (48.57 ± 0.8 mm) was significantly larger than in NPM (42.99 ± 1.0 mm) (p < 0.05). In addition, the PM edema score (2.93 ± 0.32 mm) on ovulation day was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than NPM (4.47 ± 0.05 mm). First postpartum ovulation occurred at 12.6 ± 0.3 and 8.5 ± 0.4 days (p < 0.05) in PM and NPM, respectively. Colombian Paso Fino mares bred under permanent grazing under tropical rainforest conditions with no foaling or postpartum complications showed a 71% gestation rate when inseminated at foal heat when ovulation occurs between the second and third postpartum week.

Ultrasonographic Screening of Dairy Cows with Normal Uterine Involution or Developing Postpartum Uterine Disease Using B-Mode, Color, and Spectral Doppler.

Uterine involution, ovarian activity, and incidence of postpartum uterine disease (PUD) were assessed in forty-eight dairy cows from calving until the 10th postpartum week. Postpartum follow-up included evaluation of uterine involution and ovarian structures by B-mode, Doppler color, and Doppler spectral ultrasound of the right uterine artery in cows with no calving or postpartum uterine problems (healthy cows). Data from cows that developed PUD (PUD cows) were compared with healthy cows matched by herd and days in milk (DIM). Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, simple regression, one-way ANOVA, or repeated ANOVA measures, and in data analysis of healthy cows, uterine horn diameter assessed by B-mode ultrasound ranged from 22.9 ± 2.4 to 19.4 ± 1.4 mm and 19.9 ± 2.2 to 20.5 ± 2.3 mm from the fourth to the seventh postpartum week in the left and right uterine horns, respectively (P > 0.05). During the study, 15 and 7 cows had corpus luteum in the left and right ovaries, respectively. The mean time for the first postpartum CL was 30.1 ± 3.2 DIM (min 8, max 67 DIM). In data analysis of PUD cows, uterine blood flow assessed by color Doppler ranged from 7.4 ± 4.0 to 43.75 ± 10.3% in cows that developed PUD compared to 16.7 ± 11.0% in healthy cows (P > 0.05). No statistically significant changes were found in resistance index, pulsatility index, time-averaged maximum velocity, time-averaged mean velocity, or diastole/systole ratio (D/S) in cows that developed PUD compared to healthy cows (P > 0.05). Finally, no correlation was found between Doppler spectral parameters and uterine involution (P > 0.05). Our data suggest that cows receiving transition diets and exhibiting normal calving undergo a rapid macroscopic uterine involution and ovarian follicular dynamics resumption. Complete ultrasound evaluation provides valuable data for assessing uterine involution in postpartum dairy cows.

Segmental Cervical Aplasia in a Colombian Creole Mare with Mosaic X-Chromosome Aneuploidy.

A 4-year-old Colombian Creole mare was presented for diagnosis because the external orifice of her cervix was not detectable when a uterine lavage as therapy for uterine fluid accumulation was attempted. Clinical and ultrasonographic evaluation of the genital tract revealed that ovaries were of normal size and showed structures suggestive of regular ovarian activity. However, granular free-floating fluid material distending the uterus was detected by ultrasound. Upon vaginal examination, the normal external cervical morphology was not evident. The vagina ended in a blind bag with a small papilla with no evident external cervical os. Cytology of uterine fluid obtained by transvaginal aspiration showed findings compatible with mucometra. Cytogenetic analysis revealed an abnormal karyotype (63,X and 64,XX both 45% and 65,XXX 10%). A diagnosis of congenital segmental cervical aplasia was proposed possibly related to the mosaicism detected. To our knowledge, this is the first case of this reproductive pathology in a mare with regular ovarian activity and confirmed aneuploidy in mosaic form of the X sex chromosome.

The Effect of N-N-Dimethylformamide on the Membrane Characteristics of Canine Spermatozoa After Cryopreservation, and its Relationship With Post-Thaw Motility.

Some studies have demonstrated that glycerol is superior to amides in preserving sperm motion characteristics of canine sperm; however, little is known about the effect of these cryoprotectants on the membrane characteristics of canine spermatozoa after freezing/thawing. In this study, the effects of using either N-N-dimethylformamide (DMF) or glycerol (GLY) on the integrity and function of the canine sperm, after cryopreservation were determined. We hypothesized that the use of a multiparametric approach for assessing the effect of DMF on the membranes of canine sperm would explain the lower values reported for post-thaw motility. Ejaculates from 12 dogs were collected, split into 2 groups, and frozen using a tris-fructose-citrate-egg yolk-based extender containing either 7% (v/v) GLY or 7% (v/v) DMF. Frozen straws (n = 120) were thawed and analyzed for subjectively-assessed sperm progressive motility, normal morphology, plasma membrane integrity, plasma membrane function (HOST+), acrosome membrane integrity, high mitochondrial membrane potential, and simultaneous assessment of sperm membrane integrity and function by a triple-staining fluorescent procedure. Overall, sperm motility and membrane intactness/function were higher when GLY was used as a cryoprotectant, as compared to DMF (P < .05). A model to explain the variation in progressive motility using the values obtained from the sperm integrity and function parameters was designed. The percent HOST+ sperm and high mitochondrial membrane potential sperm were mostly associated with the changes observed in the progressive motility (r2 = 0.84; P = .043) when either GLY or DMF were used as cryoprotectants. These results may explain the overall reduced sperm quality observed after cryopreservation, as a reflection of sublethal damage sustained by the sperm membranes.

Identificación de factores asociados con la exposición al virus de la diarrea viral bovina (VDVB) en terneras de hatos lecheros de la sabana de Bogotá / Identification of factors associated with exposure to bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in dairy-herd calves in the Bogotá savanna / Identificação de fatores associados com a exposição ao vírus da diarreia viral bovina (VDVB) em bezerras de fazendas de gado leiteiro da savana de Bogotá

Resumen El virus de la diarrea viral bovina (VDVB) es un patógeno que afecta la salud bovina; produce signos clínicos como bronconeumonía, diarrea, teratogenia y pérdidas reproductivas. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la seroprevalencia y algunos factores asociados con la exposición al VDVB en un total de 930 terneras provenientes de 31 hatos lecheros de la sabana de Bogotá. Los datos de los hatos se obtuvieron a través de una encuesta epidemiológica, así como la información individual de las terneras. Se utilizó una prueba de ELISA para la detección de anticuerpos contra VDVB p80. Los datos se analizaron con estadística de frecuencias, descriptiva, análisis univariado y con un modelo de regresión logística binaria en el que se evaluaron factores de confusión a través de la comparación entre los odds ratio (OR) crudos y ajustados. La seroprevalencia promedio de VDVB fue del 27,1 % (rango 0-90 %); adicionalmente, en el 83,9 % de los hatos se observaron anticuerpos contra VDVB. Los factores asociados con la exposición a VDVB fueron: 1) la edad en animales menores de 4 meses (OR = 4,9; IC 95 %: 2,52-9,56), 2) histórico de aborto de la madre (OR = 6,4; IC 95 %: 3,91-10,46; p = 0,001) y 3) la presentación histórica de diarrea (OR = 2,6; IC 95 %: 1,58-4,46; p = 0,010). Este estudio permitió confirmar la alta exposición al virus en los hatos e identificar de algunos factores asociados, lo cual contribuye al conocimiento de la epidemiología de la enfermedad.

Abstract Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a pathogen that affects bovine health; it produces clinical signs such as bronchopneumonia, diarrhea, teratogenicity, and reproductive losses. This study aimed to determine seroprevalence and some other factors associated with exposure to BVDV in a total of 930 calves from 31 dairy herds in the Bogotá savanna. The data of the herds, as well as individual information of the calves, were collected through an epidemiological survey. An ELISA test was used to detect antibodies to BVDV p80. Data were analyzed with frequency and descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, and a binary logistic regression model, in which confounding factors were evaluated through a comparison between crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR). The average seroprevalence of BVDV was 27.1% (range 0-90%); additionally, antibodies against BVDV were observed in 83.9% of the herds. The factors associated with exposure to BVDV were: 1) age of animals under 4 months (OR = 4.9; 95% CI: 2.52-9.56); 2) records of abortion of the mother (OR = 6.4; 95% CI: 3.91-10.46; p = 0.001); and 3) records of diarrhea (OR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.58-4.46; p = 0.010). This study allowed confirming a high exposure to the virus in these herds and identifying some associated factors, which contributes to a better understanding of the epidemiology of the disease.

Resumo O vírus da diarreia viral bovina (VDVB) é um patógeno que afeta a saúde bovina; produz sinais clínicos como broncopneumonia, diarreia, teratógena e perdas reprodutivas. O objetivo do estudo foi determinar a soro prevalência e alguns fatores associados com a exposição ao VDVB em um total de 930 bezerras provenientes de 31 fazendas de gado leiteiro da savana de Bogotá. Os dados dos rebanhos foram obtidos através de uma enquete epidemiológica, assim como a informação individual das bezerras. Utilizou-se uma prova de ELISA para detecção de anticorpos contra VDVB p80. Os dados foram analisados com estatística de frequências, descritiva, análise uni variada e com um modelo de regressão logística binária no qual foram avaliados fatores de confusão através da comparação entre os odds ratio (OR) crus e ajustados. A soro prevalência média de VDVB foi do 27,1 % (rango 0-90 %); adicionalmente, no 83,9 % dos rebanhos se observaram anticorpos contra VDVB. Os fatores associados com a exposição a VDVB foram: 1) a idade em animais menores de 4 meses (OR = 4,9; IC 95 %: 2,52-9,56), 2) histórico de aborto da madre (OR = 6,4; IC 95 %: 3,91-10,46; p = 0,001) e 3) a apresentação histórica de diarreia (OR = 2,6; IC 95 %: 1,58-4,46; p = 0,010). Este estudo permitiu confirmar a alta exposição ao vírus nos rebanhos bovinos e identificar de alguns fatores associados, fator que contribui para o conhecimento da epidemiologia da doença.

In vitro embryo production from cumulus-oocyte complexes type II in Bos indicus cattle / Producción in vitro de embriones a partir de complejos cúmulos oocitos tipo II en bovinos Bos indicus / Produção in vitro de embriões de cumulus oócito complexo de tipo II de bovinos Bos indicus

Abstract The morphological selection of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) is an important step for in vitro embryo production. It has been suggested that COC showing signs of atresia have the ability to generate embryos. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of COC morphology from Bos indicus animals with signs of early atresia versus no signs of atresia on in vitro embryo production. COC were classified in: Type I (TI): homogeneous ooplasm with ≥ 4 layers of compact cumulus cells (CC) and Type II (TII): granular ooplasm and ≥ 4 layers of CC slightly expanded. The COC were matured in vitro for 24 hours in TCM199 medium and subsequently fertilized in vitro for 18 h. The suspected zygotes were cultured in vitro for seven days in modified SOFaa medium. Embryonic quality was determined by blastomeric count following staining with Hoechst 33342. Student test was used to determine statistical differences for cleavage, blastocyst rate and blastomeric counts between types of COC. The cleavage rate for TI (n = 220) and TII (n = 161) was 88 ± 4% and 89 ± 8% respectively (p> 0.05); embryo development rate was 36 ± 7% and 33 ± 8% (p>0.05) respectively. The blastomeric count for both groups was 101 and 104 cells for TI and TII respectively (n = 10), (p>0.05). These results demonstrate that there is no difference in the quantity and quality of embryos produced in vitro using COC type I or type II, suggesting that both types could be used for bovine in vitro embryo production in Bos indicus cows.

Resumen La selección morfológica de los complejos cúmulo-oocito (COC) es crucial para la producción de embriones in vitro. Se ha sugerido que COC que muestran signos de atresia poseen capacidad de generar embriones. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de la morfología de los COC provenientes de animales Bos indicus con signos de atresia temprana y sin signos de atresia sobre la producción de embriones in vitro. Se clasificaron COC obtenidos de ovarios de faenado en dos grupos: Tipo I (TI): ooplasma homogéneo con ≥ 4 capas de células del cumulo (CC) compactas y Tipo II (TII): ooplasma granular y ≥ 4 capas de CC ligeramente expandidas. Los COC fueron madurados por 24 horas en medio TCM199 y posteriormente fueron fertilizados in vitro durante 18 h. Los presuntos cigotos se cultivaron in vitro por siete días en medio SOF modificado. La calidad embrionaria se determinó por conteo de blastómeras posterior a tinción con Hoechst 33342. Se usó la prueba t para determinar diferencias estadísticas. La tasa de clivaje para los COC, TI (n=220) y TII (n=161), fue 88 ± 4% y 89 ± 8% respectivamente (p>0,05); la tasa de desarrollo embrionario fue 36 ± 7% y 33 ± 8% (p>0,05) respectivamente. El conteo de blastómeras para ambos grupos fue de (TI:101,TII:104) (n=10), (p>0,05). Los resultados de este trabajo permiten concluir que no hay diferencia en la cantidad y calidad de embriones producidos in vitro utilizando COC tipo I o tipo II, sugiriendo que ambas calidades podrían ser usadas en la producción de embriones in vitro a partir de animales Bos indicus.

Resumo A seleção morfológica dos complexos cumulus-oócito (COC) é crucial para a produção in vitro de embriões. Relata-se que COC que apresentam sinais de atresia têm a capacidade de gerar embriões. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito morfológico dos COC de animais Bos indicus com sinais de atresia precoce ou sim sinais de atresia sobre a produção in vitro de embriões. COC obtidos de ovários de animais abatidos foram classificados em dois grupos: tipo I (TI): ooplasma homogéneo com ≥ 4 camadas de células do cúmulos (CC) compactos e Tipo II (TII): ooplasma granular e ≥ 4 camadas CC levemente expandidas. Os COC foram submetidos à maturação por 24 horas em meio TCM199 e depois fertilizados in vitro por 18 h. Os prováveis zigotos foram cultivados in vitro por sete dias em meio SOFaa modificado. A qualidade embrionária foi determinada pela contagem dos blastômeros após coloração com Hoechst 33342. O teste t foi utilizado para determinar diferenças estatísticas significativas. A taxa de clivagem para os COC TI (n = 220) e TII (n = 161) foi de 88 ± 4% e 89 ± 8%, respectivamente (p>0,05); a taxa de desenvolvimento embrionário foi de 36 ±7% e 33 ±8% (p>0,05), respectivamente. E a contagem de blastômeros para ambos os grupos foi (TI: 101, TII: 104) (n = 10) (p>0,05). Com base nos resultados deste trabalho conclui-se que não existe diferença na quantidade e qualidade dos embriões produzidos in vitro, utilizando COC tipo I ou tipo II, sugerindo que ambas as qualidades podem ser utilizadas na produção in vitro de embriões em animaes Bos indicus.

Reproductive analysis of male and female captive jaguars (Panthera onca) in a Colombian zoological park.

A reproductive analysis of a captive group of jaguars (Panthera onca; n = 6) at the Santacruz Zoological Foundation in Cundinamarca, Colombia, was conducted by performing a longitudinal, noninvasive, hormonal analysis of estradiol and progestogens in females and of androgens in males. During four seasons, female jaguars confined in solitary were evaluated for ovarian activity and spontaneous ovulation, male jaguars for testicular activity. A second hormonal follow-up was conducted in the females after administration of gonadotropins. Hormones were extracted from fecal samples of three females (n = 3) and two males (n = 2). Estradiol measurements were obtained by RIA and progestogens by enzyme immunoassay. The linear mixed-effect regression showed that there was a significant effect of seasons in the concentrations of estradiol (chi square = 15.97, degrees of freedom = 3, P < 0.01). Posthoc comparisons of all pairs of seasonal means were conducted according to Tukey's honest significant difference, revealing significant differences between seasons: Dry 1 versus Rains 2 (P < 0.01), Rains 1 versus Rains 2 (P < 0.05), and Dry 2 versus Rains 2 (P < 0.05). Elevations of progestogens compatible with spontaneous ovulation occurred in three jaguars, and the linear mixed-effect regression showed that there was also a significant effect of seasons (chi square = 28.56, degrees of freedom = 3, P < 0.01). Posthoc comparisons showed significant differences only between seasons: Dry 2 versus Rains 2 (P < 0.01). The season with the lowest average concentration was Rains 2 (October, November, and December). During this season, periods of anestrous were registered that lasted between 31 and 83 days. The three females presented estradiol peaks after the administration of eCG. A noninvasive longitudinal analysis for androgens was also made (males 1 and 2) over the course of 1 year, and no significant differences were found between the different seasons. A seminal analysis of three adult male jaguars (Panthera onca; n = 3) was also performed after electroejaculation under general anesthesia (male 1 and 2) and by a postmortem epididymal wash (male 3). The mean concentration of spermatozoids was 5.7 × 106 ± 1.1 × 106 spermatozoa/mL. The progressive motility + standard deviation averaged 80%. The percentage of normal spermatozoids obtained by electroejaculation was 80 ± 2.8%, and the abnormalities found more frequently were head defects (7 ± 1.4%). The seminal fluid obtained by epididymal flush contained 35 ± 1.4% normal spermatozoids, and the most frequent abnormalities found corresponded to distal cytoplasmic droplets (39 ± 11.3%).

Progesterona plasmática y algunas características uterinas y embrionarias en la gestación temprana de yeguas criollas colombianas / Plasma Progesterone and Some Uterine and Embryonic Characteristics in Early Gestation of Colombian Mares / Progesterona plasmática e algumas características uterinas e embrionárias na gestação precoce de éguas crioulas colombianas

Se inseminaron artificialmente 24 yeguas criollas colombianas (CC) de 4 a 14 años de edad. Se cuantificaron los niveles plasmáticos de progesterona (P4) por la técnica de radioinmunoanálisis de fase sólida (RIA), se evaluaron el cuerpo lúteo (CL), el útero y el edema uterino por ultrasonografía desde la ovulación hasta el día 40 posovulación. El diagnóstico de preñez se realizó al detectar un conceptus; desde ese momento hasta el día 40 se evaluó diariamente. Los datos fueron analizados usando estadística descriptiva con valores promedio y desviación estándar (DE). El diagnóstico de gestación se hizo el día 10,4 ± 0,8 (promedio ± DE). La tasa de crecimiento del conceptus fue 1,65 ± 0,1 mm/día; su fijación al útero ocurrió el día 16,8 ± 1,5. El embrión se visualizó dentro de la vesícula el día 20,8 ± 1,7; su tasa de crecimiento fue 0,8 ± 0,3 mm/día. El latido cardiaco se detectó desde el día 23,9 ± 1,3. El 100 % de los embriones tuvieron un desarrollo normal hasta el día 40 de la gestación. El 62,5 % de los CL se ubicaron en el ovario derecho y el 33,3 % en el izquierdo; un animal presentó ovulación doble. El 66,6 % de los conceptus se ubicaron en la unión útero cornual derecha y el 33,3 % en la izquierda; el 79,1 % ipsilateral al CL. La gestación en la yegua CC presenta características fisiológicas similares a las descritas en la literatura. Los datos aquí presentados tienen importancia para las evaluaciones clínicas y constituyen un punto de partida para futuros estudios.

Twenty-four Colombian mares from 4 to 14 years of age were inseminated artificially. Progesterone (P4) plasma levels were quantified by the technique of solid phase radioimmunoassay (RIA); corpus luteum (CL), the uterus and uterine edema were evaluated by ultrasonography from ovulation until day 40 post-ovulation. Pregnancy was diagnosed upon detecting a conceptus; it was evaluated daily from that moment until day 40. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with mean values and standard deviation (SD). Pregnancy diagnosis was made on day 10.4 ± 0.8 (mean ± SD). The conceptus growth rate was 1.65 ± 0.1 mm / day; attachment to the uterus occurred on day 16.8 ± 1.5. The embryo was visualized within the gallbladder on day 20.8 ± 1.7; its growth rate was 0.8 ± 0.3 mm/day. Heartbeat was detected from day 23.9 ± 1.3. 100 % of the embryos had normal development until day 40 of gestation. 62.5 % of the CL was located in the right ovary and 33.3 % in the left; one animal had double ovulation. 66.6 % of the conceptus was located in the right utero corneal junction and 33.3 % in the left;79.1 % ipsilateral to the CL. Pregnancy in the mare shows physiological characteristics similar to those described in literature. The data presented here are important for clinical evaluations and provide a starting point for future studies.

Foram inseminadas artificialmente 24 éguas crioulas colombianas (CC) de 4 a 14 anos de idade. Foram quantificados os níveis plasmáticos de progesterona (P4) pela técnica de rádio imune análise de fase sólida (RIA), avaliaram-se o corpo lúteo (CL), o útero e o edema uterino por ultrassonografia desde a ovulação até o dia 40 pós-ovulação. O diagnóstico de prenhez foi feito ao detectar um conceptus; desde esse momento até o dia 40 avaliou-se diariamente. Os dados foram analisados usando estadística descritiva com valores médios e desvio padrão (DP). O diagnóstico de gestação foi feito no dia 10,4 ± 0,8 (média ± DP). A taxa de crescimento do conceptus foi 1,65 ± 0,1 mm/dia; sua fixação ao útero ocorreu no dia 16,8 ± 1,5. O embrião se visualizou dentro da vesícula no dia 20,8 ± 1,7; sua taxa de crescimento foi 0,8 ± 0,3 mm/dia. O batimento cardíaco foi detectado desde o dia 23,9 ± 1,3. 100 % dos embriões tiveram um desenvolvimento normal até o dia 40 da gestação. 62,5 % dos CL se localizaram no ovário direito e 33,3 % no esquerdo; um animal apresentou ovulação dupla. 66,6 % dos conceptus se localizaram na união útero cornual direita e 33,3 % na esquerda; 79,1 % ipsilateral ao CL. A gestação na égua CC apresenta características fisiológicas similares às descritas na literatura. Os dados aqui apresentados têm importância para as avaliações clínicas e constituem um ponto de partida para futuros estudos.